"On Writing Prayers" 3/24/26

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The Scripture are full of written prayers. Records of the prayers of God's people and testimonies of God's answers. 

The practice of writing prayers is less common today, but is of much value. Some of you may question, "why should I write down a prayer when I can just talk with God?" Others of you may feel as though you aren't much good at writing so "what's the use?" 

I will be the first to say that writing your prayers is not commanded in Scripture, so take my advice for what it's worth. I pray it is helpful to you.

My aim in this letter is to share some of the benefits of writing down our prayers. 

Benefit One:

You now have a record to look back upon, to recall the goodness of God and his work in your heart, and so that you can look back and see how God has answered your prayers (often in the most unexpected of ways). The goal isn't fancy flowery poetic words, but to bear witness to his goodness in your life. Today we have records of countless prayers throughout the ages that bear witness to God's glory and are an encouragement to many, all because people have written down their prayers.

Benefit Two:

Writing forces a person to be clear and purposeful. You have to think about what you're writing. This has the value of teaching us to slow down and keep our mind and spirit engaged in prayer. 

Benefit Three: 

We become better equipped to write our prayers to others, whether sending a quick text to a friend or an email to a missionary across the world. For Millennia God's people have sent their prayers around the globe, encouraging one another through written prayer.

Summary:

I don't care whether you write out your prayers, I do care whether you pray. Prayer brings finite and sinful men before the throne of the Almighty God through Jesus Christ, so we cannot emphasize earnest heartfelt prayer (spoken or written) enough.

In Christ's Service,

Matt